Bill to be Introduced to Stop Warrantless Searches Based on the “Smell” of Marijuana

(Jefferson City) A lawmaker has pre-filed a bill for the upcoming Missouri legislative session on warrantless searches based on a law enforcement officer smelling the odor of marijuana.

The bill is based on a recent decision in Illinois.

State Representative Ian Mackey says based on medicinal marijuana being legal in Missouri, just smelling cannabis should not be a justifiable reason for a police officer to begin searching a person or their property.

Mackey says driving impaired due to the use of marijuana should remain against the law and his bill would not change that.

The new legislative session starts next month.